Dental floss

ABSTRACT

A dental floss apparatus for cleaning the gaps between adjacent teeth which is comprised of a pair of handles that are configured for engagement with the fingers with strands of flossing substrate extending therebetween. The flossing substrate runs substantially parallel and extends within an opening formed between the ends of the two handles, during tensioned employment of the handles by a user. A dissolvable component is positioned within the opening through an engagement with one or both of the handles or the flossing substrate. The dissolvable component dissolves to a solution during use to deposit a residue on the surface of the teeth. The solution from the dissolving component may be colorized or fluorescent, and have an additive material such as mouthwash, breath freshener, cooling agent, or flavor.

This application is a continuation in part from U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/348,275 filed on Jan. 11, 2012 which is a Continuation inPart application from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/012,105, filedon Jan. 24, 2011, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/182,349, filedon Jul. 13, 2011, all of the aforementioned applications beingincorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an improved dental flossing apparatus.More particularly it relates to a flossing device and method whichprovide handles which splay to match the contour of the user's fingerrendering the device easier and more comfortable to employ thanconventional floss products. The comfort of the splayed fingerengagement and a gustatory sensation during use, provide means to induceincreased use and thereby encourage regular flossing by the user as partof an ongoing dental hygiene regime.

2. Prior Art

Virtually all dental health practitioners and professionals of the likerecommend the use of dental floss for the removal of interdental plaqueand particulate from between teeth and under the gum line. These areplaces that a toothbrush cannot reach and are common initiation sitesfor tooth decay and gum disease when not cleaned regularly and properly.

Conventional threadlike floss maintains many discouraging aspects to anew or ill-practiced user. It is often difficult to pass the roundthreadlike floss in between two adjacent teeth due to the resistanceencountered by the tooth's side edges. Similarly, children as well asmany adults find it hard to hold the distal ends of the floss which canpainfully ‘strangle’ the fingers around which they are wrapped duringuse.

Furthermore, the conventional flossing regimen does not provide anyinitial or immediate positive reinforcement to the floss trainee otherthan of course any oral encouragement from an instructor. As a result,there is an inherent tendency of individuals, to reduce their flossingtime and possibly halt any and all flossing regimens which theindividual may have, with good intentions, initiated. Even in dedicatedusers having a flossing regimen, such a lack of encouragement or aninducement to continue, can be a resulting cause of reduced flossingover time. Attempts to solve some of these shortcomings and flaws havebeen attempted as is shown in prior art which include dissolvablecomponents such as substrates and capsules for positive reinforcement.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,281,541 to Lorch, while a definite improvement in therealm of flossing, teaches dental floss comprised of a dissolvingcomponent formed of a planar flossing substrate with one or a pluralityof apertures formed therein. About each aperture is a pair of ediblesubstrate portions slightly larger than the aperture and joined togetherthrough the aperture in the substrate thereby securing it to the latter.In use the edible substrate that is flavored and/or impregnated withmedicine, is dissolved or temporarily imparted onto the tooth giving theuser a temporary flavor or visual stimulus providing positivereinforcement of the procedure. However, in some individuals, theengagement of the edible substrate dissolving component to the planarsubstrate may impart a difficulty in the insertion of the floss totranslatabley engage in between two adjacent teeth. Surprisingly this isdue to the added thickness of the initially blocking, not justdissolving, an edible substrate. Further, individuals may find addeddifficulty in gripping the device similar to the ‘strangling’ problemassociated with conventional floss as mentioned above.

As such, there is a continuing and unmet need for an improved devicethat when employed for flossing, immediately provides an easy andcomfortable means to do so, while concurrently freshening breath duringflossing and increasing the effectiveness of such a flossing session.The device should be easy to grasp with any of the user's fingerswithout numerous wraps there around as is required of floss dispensedfrom containers. It should provide finger-engageable and ingressibleends to not only assist in positioning the floss in the user's mouth,but also to aid in the user engaging in easy employment of the properflossing techniques and procedures set forth by a dental professional.Further, the device should provide positive reinforcement such as aperceived health advantage or a gustatory inducement to employ, andcontinue to use floss in an ongoing manner to users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The device herein disclosed and described achieves the above-mentionedgoals in surmounting the shortcomings of prior art. In a preferred mode,the device accomplishes this object through the provision of one or aplurality of any conventional commercially available coated,impregnated, waxed or unwaxed flossing substrates extending between twoplanar grips or handles. In a second, preferred mode of the device, anaperture formed within a planar flossing substrate is provided also withtwo handles.

The device employs a first and second surface and a first and second endeach engaged with a handle. The second end of the device issubstantially a mirror of the first end. The flossing substrate extendsbetween and connects the handles at a substantially central locationthereon. These handles provide for engagement to the hand throughcompression between the thumb and one finger or with that finger,thereby eliminating the conventional need to wind the distal end of theflossing substrate about one's finger which frequently results in astrangulation of a user's fingers. The finger-engageable handles aremost preferably, a flexible hypoallergenic adhesive cloth tapecommercially available as listed product number 1538 as manufactured bythe 3M Company or TYVEK nonwoven available from Dupont. The employmentof TYVEK nonwoven for the handle formation is especially preferred inthat it renders the device entirely recyclable.

However, as those skilled in the art will no doubt realize upon readingthis disclosure, the handles may be any woven or nonwoven,non-stretchable or substantially non-stretchable fabric, employing, orimparted with an adhesive backing suited for the intended purpose of thedevice herein as will become apparent shortly.

In addition, the finger-engageable handles may include a longitudinalslot, slit, or aperture disposed substantially in a mid-portion alongthe width of the handles of the device. The slot, slit, or aperturecommunicates through the opposing surfaces of the handles and rendersthem more easily finger-engageable. This is especially true in that theslit, when the handles are in tensioned engagement between or withfingers and provide a means to form a splay to the substantially flathandles in a curved or three-dimensional manner when in the as usedmode. This splay formation is especially preferred as it causes apartial wrapping of the material about the curved surface of the user'sthumb or a forefinger. This splay, much like the friction enhancingadherent noted herein, provides increased comfort and a significantmeans for frictional enhancement and resulting increase in the abilityof the user to grip and maintain their finger-engagement with the devicein the as-used mode.

Additionally, the slit, slot, or aperture provides the user a means tosubstantially ingress their thumb or a forefinger through the slot for acontact therebetween. This results in an increased ability to the userfor gripping and re-orienting of the device as may be desirable forflossing hard to reach places in the mouth.

Due to the tension required for flossing it is particularly preferredthat the finger-ingressible slits, slots, or apertures, are formed inmaterial which is partially or substantially non-tearing. Such utilitymay be provided by adding or laminating additional layers of material tothe handle portions, as will be explained in more detail herein.

In an additional preferred mode of the device the handles may be formedof injection molded polypropylene. It is preferred that thepolypropylene be thin for flexibility yet provide strength required towithstand the tensile forces associated with the flossing process.Further, in this mode the handle may employ a finger-ingressibleaperture or slot as opposed to a slit.

In a particularly preferred mode of the device, the flossing substrateis substantially planar in construction and made of expandedpolytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). In other preferred modes of the device,the substrate may be multi-filament nylon or non-elastic ultra highmolecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) or the like. Of course thoseskilled in the art will realize that other materials may be employed forthe substrate and new materials adapted for such may come available. Assuch, any materials one skilled in the art might employ for thesubstrate are considered within the scope of this application.

In all preferred modes of the disclosed device, a dissolvable componentsuch as first and second planar edible and dissolvable substrates,dissolvable capsules, or other media adapted to dissolve during use, areengaged at or near an innermost edge of the first and second handle, orin-between them, by an appropriate engagement means. Where thedissolvable component is one or a plurality of dissolvable substrates,they extend from this attachment end to a distal end a distance from theedge of the respective handle.

In other preferred modes of the device, the dissolvable component isprovided by one or a plurality of dissolvable capsules having a filledcore therein provided and engaged near an innermost edge of the first orsecond handle by an engagement means or in-between the handles. Thecapsule or capsules when dissolving are intended to elicit a pleasantgustatory and/or olfactory sensation in the user during use and like thefilm, may have cores of flavoring, cooling agent, heating agent, dentalplaque disclosing agent, or medicine contained in a core or in a solidsolution forming the capsule. Additional preferred dissolvable capsulematerials are provided below in the detailed description. Thedissolvable components may also employ both the film and the capsuleshould such be advantageous.

The edible substrate, or solid solution formed capsule, may be apullulan or gelatin base. A pullulan substrate provides a fairly rapidrate of dissolution while a gelatin-based substrate dissolves lessquickly and may be desired as well for that reason so as to allow moretime for flossing while concurrently communicating a taste and/orcooling sensation to the user during the continued flossing session.

Both edible substrates extend to distal ends spaced from theirengagement ends to handles, to a predetermined distance. The preferredtwo edible substrates cover the flossing substrate extending toconnections with the edges of both handles and which determine thedistance between the two respective edges of the handles.

In a particularly preferred mode of the device, the edible substratesextend inward from their attachment to the innermost edges of the firstand second handles a combined distance that is shorter than the lengthof the flossing substrate connecting the two handles. This forms a gapbetween the two opposing distal edges of the first and second ediblesubstrates exposing the flossing substrate therein.

Preferably, the dissolvable edible substrate should be of a verticalwidth substantially equal to the width of the handles. This maximizesthe size of the edible substrate and therefor the time in the mouthrequired for a total dissolving. The larger size thus provides more timefor flossing while concurrently providing the user with encouragementthrough communicated flavor, cooling agent, medicine or the like. Theeasy access to the floss therebetween maintains the engagability of thefloss substrate between the user's teeth and the subsequentmaneuverability within the mouth.

The gap created between the two distal ends of the edible substrate,exposing the flossing substrate, defines an engagement zone in which asaliva-coated tooth or pair of adjacent teeth can engage the flossingsubstrate without blocking interference from the edible substrate. Inuse, the flossing substrate is positioned within the space between anytwo adjacent teeth of a user and the engagement zone provides a means tosee the underlying flossing substrate as well as some clearance for theedible substrate during flossing. As flossing commences the ediblesubstrate, situated on both sides of the dental arch, proceeds todissolve and deliver to the user the desired flavor, cooling agent,medicine, or the like as dictated by the choice of edible substrates.Since edible substrates are positioned on both sides of the gap, andhence both sides of the dental arch during any flossing session, flavorand/or medicine are adequately delivered to all saliva coated teethand/or saliva coated gum tissue.

In another particularly preferred mode the edible substrates may extendfurther to a shared abutted edge centrally located on the device.Similarly, the edible substrates may extend even further and overlapabout a central position on the device. For both modes, the abutted edgeor overlap, the dissolving edible substrates will last longer due tosize and might be preferable when used by novice flossers, or byindividuals who floss for longer durations. While the underlyingflossing substrate may not be initially visible since the gap iseliminated, engagement between the teeth is relatively simple since thedistal ends of the edible floss are simply deflected by the teeth uponengagement of the teeth.

In still another particularly preferred mode one or a plurality ofportions of edible substrate may be engaged on both surfaces of thedevice at or near the inner most edge of the handles. In this mode, theopposing layers of the edible substrates extending from the edges ofeach handle, cover and in effect sandwich the flossing substratetherebetween. As in the longer edible substrate mode, the addition ofmore edible substrate layers can provide an extended release of flavor,cooling agent, medicine, or breath freshening means as desired by a useror dental health professional. Furthermore, predetermined doses ofmedicine or the like can be employed on the device as dictated by theamount of edible substrate present on the device. Thus, the device cansimultaneously provide a prescribed dose of medicine while promotingproper and continued flossing practice.

With respect to the above description, before explaining at least onepreferred embodiment of the herein disclosed invention in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and to the arrangement of the components inthe following description or as illustrated in the drawings. Theinvention herein described is capable of other embodiments and of beingpracticed and carried out in various ways which will be obvious to thoseskilled in the art. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseologyand terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description andshould not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conceptionupon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basisfor designing of other oral hygiene structures, methods and systems forcarrying out the several purposes of the present disclosed device. It isimportant, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including suchequivalent construction and methodology insofar as they do not departfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It is an object of the invention to provide a dental flossing devicethat provides a gustatory means to encourage a flossing regime throughthe provision of a dissolvable component such as an edible substrateand/or dissolvable capsule.

It is another object of the invention to provide such a dissolvablecomponent of an edible substrate or dissolvable capsule, with one or acombination of a flavoring, cooling agent, medicine, or breathfreshening means, or combinations thereof.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a dental device thatis easy and comfortable to use for new as well as proficient floss usersas well as easy to maneuver in the mouth.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a discernableengagement zone or gap to define a target to thereby guide a user to thecorrect position of the device for proper usage.

A further object of the invention is to provide one or a plurality offlossing substrates extending between two handles for use with both theupper and lower set of teeth.

Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of aplurality of any pre-existing commercially available coated,impregnated, waxed, or unwaxed flossing substrate engaged between twohandles.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a neat andconvenient packaging for single use employment of the device in a clean,moisture proof environment.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a dental devicewhich is easy to manufacture and commercialize by pre-existing dentalfloss manufacturers and marketers and retailers of global-branded flossproducts to better serve end users.

A still further object of the invention is to provide afinger-ingressible communication between both sides of the handles inthe form of a slit, slot, or aperture formed in the handle portions ofthe device to provide for easier finger engagement therewith.

Yet a further object of the invention is to provide such a communicationthrough the handles which employ woven or nonwoven fabric which isadapted to form a splayed engagement of the handle, about the user'sthumb or a forefinger for a frictionally enhanced grip therebetween.

Yet another object of the invention herein is the provision of such animproved device, which employs both floss, handles and packaging, whichare of recyclable materials.

Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the followingpart of the specification, wherein detailed description is for thepurpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitationsthereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 a shows a top plan view of a particularly preferred mode of thedevice showing a side surface and a gap.

FIG. 1 b shows a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 a as seenalong line AA.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 a, as seenalong line AA thereof, depicted in an as-used position, as wherein thedevice is engaged in a space between two adjacent incisors.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of another particularly preferredmode of the device depicting an overlap of the edible substratescovering one side view of the gap and flossing substrate therein.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of yet another particularlypreferred mode of the device depicting the edible substrates extendinginward to a shared abutment of their distal ends.

FIG. 5 a is a top plan view of still another preferred mode of thedisclosed device depicting dissolvable components in the form of ediblesubstrates engaged on both surfaces of two flossing substrates with aplurality of engagement zones therein.

FIG. 5 b is a side cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 5 a seenfrom line BB.

FIG. 6 a depicts what is currently considered a preferred mode of thedevice showing a top plan view and a layer of edible substrate extendingfrom handles.

FIG. 6 b shows a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 6 a seenfrom line CC.

FIG. 6 c depicts a cross-sectional view of the device along line G-G.

FIG. 6 d depicts another preferred mode of the device herein havingslot-less and substantially flexible handles adapted for engagement withtwo or more fingers at each end and having a single strand of flossingsubstrate communicating therebetween and dissolvable components.

FIG. 6 e shows a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 6 d seenfrom line C1-C1.

FIG. 6 f depicts a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 6 d alongline G1-G1.

FIG. 7 a is another preferred mode of the device depicting the ediblefloss engaged to the parallel flossing substrates communicating betweentwo handles.

FIG. 7 b shows a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 7 a seenfrom line DD.

FIG. 8 a is a further preferred mode of the device having multiplelayers of edible substrate extending from an engagement to each handleon opposite sides of the floss.

FIG. 8 b shows a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 8 a seenfrom line EE.

FIG. 9 a shows another preferred mode of the device having multiplelayers of an edible substrate which abut each other on opposite sides ofthe floss substrate.

FIG. 9 b shows a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 9 a seenfrom line FF.

FIG. 10 a is still another mode of the device.

FIG. 10 b shows a side view of the device from FIG. 10 a.

FIG. 11 a shows another mode of the device.

FIG. 11 b shows a side view of the device from FIG. 11 a.

FIG. 12 a depicts what is considered a current particularly preferredmode of the device showing a top view and a layer of edible substrateextending from handles that each have a slit or aperture.

FIG. 12 b shows a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 12 a seenfrom line HH.

FIG. 12 c shows a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 12 a asseen from line II.

FIG. 13 a is yet another preferred mode of the device with a singleflossing strand showing a top view and a layer of edible substrateextending from handles that each have a slit or aperture.

FIG. 13 b shows a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 13 a seenfrom line JJ.

FIG. 13 c shows a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 13 a asseen from line KK.

FIG. 14 a shows another mode of the device similarly having a slit oraperture formed to communicate through the handles.

FIG. 14 b shows a side view of the device from FIG. 14 a.

FIG. 15 a shows still yet another mode of the device having a slit oraperture disposed in the transverse direction.

FIG. 15 b shows a cross sectional view of the device from FIG. 15 a asseen from line MM.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the device depicted in an as-used positionbetween two adjacent teeth and shown translatabley engaged within thespace between a pair of incisors.

FIG. 17 shows a sequence of eight steps for employment of the devicewith two strands of flossing substrate engaged between a pair of handlesand in the as-used position.

FIG. 17A depicts a sequence of steps for use of another favored mode ofthe device herein while in the as-used position and having a singlestrand of flossing substrate engaged between two substantially flexibleplanar handles.

FIG. 18 a shows, with what is considered a current preferred mode ofFIG. 12 a depicted, the device showing the formation of a splayedengagement with the surface of the forefinger of the user whentensioned, to prevent slippage, as would be for the first seven steps ofthe sequence of steps of FIG. 17.

FIG. 18 b shows, with what is considered a current best mode of FIG. 12a depicted, an alternate, and optional, preferred eighth step that maybe substituted for the first step in the sequence of steps of FIG. 17which may be further optionally modified, as not shown, for use of thedevice with the mode of FIG. 12 a depicted.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the device in a particularly preferredmode, wherein it is surrounded by a removable package forming a clean,substantially sterile, moisture proof storage compartment for storageand transport of the device therein in any mode disclosed.

FIG. 20 a depicts an additional preferred mode of the device showing atop plan view with a dissolvable component formed as a layer of ediblesubstrate extending from one handle and a dissolvable capsule engaged ona substantially central portion on the other, the capsule preferablybeing a breath freshening capsule.

FIG. 20 b shows a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 20 a alongline N-N of FIG. 20 a.

FIG. 20 c shows a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 20 a alongline O-O of FIG. 20 a.

FIG. 20 d shows a view of another preferred mode of the device showingfirst and second handles each employing a capsule in a preferred engagedposition on the ledge portion.

FIG. 21 a shows a view of another preferred mode of device showing thefirst and second handles each employing capsules in another preferredengaged position on the ledge portion employing partial circumferentialengagement with a tab portion.

FIG. 21 b shows a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 21 a alongline P-P of FIG. 21 a.

FIG. 21 c depicts an additional preferred mode of the device having adissolvable capsule engaged on the first handle in accordance with themode of FIG. 21 a, and layer of edible substrate engaged to the secondhandle and extending therefrom.

FIG. 22 a shows a view of another preferred mode of device showing thefirst and second handles each employing a capsule in a yet anotherpreferred engaged position on the ledge portion employing a longitudinalslit such that the capsules are essentially cradled within the slits.

FIG. 22 b shows a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 22 a alongline PP-PP of FIG. 22 a.

FIG. 22 c depicts an additional preferred mode of the device having adissolvable capsule engaged on the first handle in accordance with themode of FIG. 22 a, and a layer of edible substrate engaged to the secondhandle and extending therefrom.

FIG. 23 a shows a view of another preferred mode of device showing thefirst and second handles each employing a capsule in yet anotherpreferred engaged position on the ledge portion disposed at or near theinnermost edge of the handle.

FIG. 23 b depicts an additional preferred mode of the device having adissolvable capsule engaged on the first handle in accordance with themode of FIG. 23 a, and a layer of edible substrate engaged to the secondhandle and extending therefrom.

FIG. 24 a depicts an additional preferred mode of the device showing atop plan view with the dissolvable component provided by a layer ofedible substrate extending from one handle, and at least two dissolvablecapsules and a strip of edible substrate engaged on the other handle,again the capsules are preferably a breath freshening capsule.

FIG. 24 b shows a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 24 a alongline Q-Q of FIG. 24 a.

FIG. 24 c shows a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 24 a alongline R-R of FIG. 24 a.

FIG. 25 a depicts another preferred mode of the device showing a topplan view with dissolvable components provided by a layer of ediblesubstrate extending from one handle and at least two dissolvablecapsules engaged on the other handle.

FIG. 25 b shows a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 25 a alongline S-S of FIG. 25 a.

FIG. 25 c shows a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 25 a alongline T-T of FIG. 25 a.

FIG. 25 d shows a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 25 a alongline U-U of FIG. 25 a.

FIG. 26 shows a view of another preferred mode of device showing thefirst and second handles each employing first and second capsules in afirst preferred engaged position on the ledge portion.

FIG. 27 a shows a view of another preferred mode of device showing thefirst and second handles each employing first and second capsules inanother preferred engaged position employing partial circumferentialengagement with respective transverse tab portions.

FIG. 27 b shows a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 27 a alongline V-V of FIG. 27 a.

FIG. 28 shows a view of another preferred mode of device showing thefirst and second handles each employing first and second capsules in yetanother preferred engaged position employing partial circumferentialengagement with respective corner tab portions.

FIG. 29 a shows another mode of the device having a slit or apertureformed to communicate through the handles, employing a combination ofdissolvable components provided by an edible substrate on one handle anda dissolvable capsule engaged on the other handle.

FIG. 29 b shows a side view of the device from FIG. 29 a.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the device in a particularly preferredmode, wherein it is surrounded by a removable package forming a clean,moisture proof storage compartment for the device therein.

FIGS. 31 a-31C depict a particularly favored mode of the device hereinhaving a waterless gel on an inwardly facing surface adjacent the singleflossing substrate engaged with each substantially rigid handle. FIG. 31c shows an end view of one handle along the line VV-VV and 31 b shows asectional view of the device of FIG. 31 a along the line VV-VV.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Now referring to drawings in FIGS. 1-31, wherein similar components areidentified by like reference numerals, there is seen in FIG. 1 a aparticularly preferred mode of the device 10. In this mode a left andright handle 14 and 16 are shown engaged to flossing substrate 12communicating therebetween and providing means for engagement with theone or more fingers in a substantially frictional engagement by a userduring use.

Also, as can be viewed in FIG. 1 a and others, extending from anattachment or intersection point to each handle 14 and 16, from the samerespective edge thereof where the flossing substrate 12 extends throughsubstantially the axial length of each handle 14, are dissolvablecomponents formed by a first portion 21 and second portion 23 of adissolvable and edible substrate 20 material which is adapted todissolve when contacted by saliva coated teeth and gums.

The edible substrate 20 portions 21 and 23, are sized to extend fromtheir attachment point to their respective handle 14 and 16, a distanceless than the total length of the flossing substrate 12 extendingtherebetween. Consequently when the handles 14 and 16 are engaged by oneor a plurality of fingers of a user in the as-used position (FIGS. 16,17, and 18), and the flossing substrate 12 is taught, a gap 25 iscentrally located between the terminating ends of the first portion 21and second portion 23 of the edible substrate 20 which defines anengagement zone 22 for the device 10. The engagement zone 22 provides aclearance and a visual targeting means for a user to properly positionthe device 10 to engage the flossing substrate 12 in the space betweentwo adjacent teeth when a user is employing the device 10 in the as-usedposition to clean their teeth in a flossing procedure.

The sizing of the portions of the dissolvable components formed asflavored edible substrate 20 are configured to form the length of theflossing substrate 12 to define the gap 25 and engagement zone 22,thereby provides users a targeting means and is particularly preferred.The targeting means so formed allows users an easy means to visuallyascertain the proper positioning of the device 10 and flossing substrate12 when held by the handles 14 and 16, to properly engage and employ itin a flossing session.

Colorizing the edible substrate 20 or other dissolvable componentemployed, provides a means for increasing the ability of the user todiscern the gap 25 and the engagement zone 22 since the gap 25 will bevoid of the color. As such, providing colored edible substrate 20 willeven allow users requiring glasses or contacts for close viewing toascertain the proper position for engagement of the device 10 with theirteeth, without their eyewear. For instance using a color or dye thatfluoresces under room light or is otherwise bright, will cause the gap25 to visually stand out against the two adjacent portions 21 and 23, ofthe edible substrate 20.

Those skilled in the art will realize that in the employment of flossingsubstrate 12 in the proper length between the handles 14 and 16 to formthe gap 25 along with the appropriately sized edible substrate portions21 and 23 of the edible substrate 20, they may be engaged to the handles14 and 16 in any number of fashions, although the current mode shown,extending the flossing substrate 12 as shown in FIG. 1 a, substantiallyacross the entire axial length of the handles 14 and 18 is preferred, toprovide a maximum engagement contact area of flossing substrate 12 withthe interior of the handles and maintain the engagement of the substrate12 with the handles 14 and 16 much better than an engagement with partof the length of the handles when the handles 14 and 16 are pulled inopposite directions by the user to tighten the floss substrate 12. Inany case, all such means of engagement as would so occur to one skilledin the art, are considered to be within the scope of this application.

This preferred mode of such attachment is shown in FIGS. 1 a-1 b, wherethe handles 14 and 16 are depicted with top and bottom planar portions15 and 17 of a flexible hypoallergenic material on both sides of theflossing substrate 12 for substantially the entire length of the formedhandles 14 and 16. The preferred hypoallergenic material for the handles14 and 16 may also have a friction enhancing adherent 27 positioned uponthe exposed surfaces to increase the frictional engagement with theuser's finger during tensioning of the flossing substrate 12 whileemploying the device 10 in the as-used position. Since the handles 14and 16 can easily become wet or damp during the process, a frictionenhancement with the surface of one or more fingers to the surfaces ofthe handles 14 and 16 would be preferred. Currently preferred adherablefriction enhancing materials for the adherent 27 can be one or acombination of such materials from a group including a tackifiedadhesive, a re-adherable adhesive, a non-tackified adhesive, a heatsealant adhesive, beeswax, carnauba wax, jojoba wax, Commiphora myrrharesin extract, propolis cera, and a rubbery hot-melt adhesive. Tackifiedadhesives currently favored are acrylate adhesive or polybutylacrylate.However any tackified or non-tackified adhesive as would occur to thoseskilled in the art upon reading this specification is anticipated withinthe scope of this patent.

One favored material for forming the handles 14 and 16 is availablecommercially as product number 1538 from the 3M Company. Another suchmaterial which is a particularly preferred fabric for the handles is anonwoven fabric from Dupont sold under the tradename TYVEK which isfully recyclable. TYVEK 1059B is the preferred grade of TYVEK fabric.However, the material can be any woven or nonwoven fabric suitable tothe described task herein such as a spunbonded high densitypolyethylene. Either of these materials, or any material one skilled inthe art might choose, would benefit in the damp environment of flossingfrom the increased frictional engagement with the one or more of theuser's fingers during tensioning of the floss substrates 12 in theas-used position, by positioning the friction enhancing surface thereonas noted above.

One, or more preferably a plurality of flossing substrates 12, sized toform the gap 25, extend between respective engagements to each of thehandles. A particularly preferred means to engage the flossing substrate12 to the handles 14 and 16, is by sandwiching the substrate 12 betweenthe inner surfaces of the top and bottom planar portions 15 and 17 ofthe handles 14,16. The top and bottom portions would be engaged using atackified adhesive, molding, or other means to engage them in a mannerto hold the flossing substrate 12 engaged therebetween.

As noted, a particularly preferred mode of the device 10 in all depictedmodes, employs dissolvable components in the form of a plurality offlossing substrates 12 shown as two flossing substrates 12. Particularlypreferred for ease of insertion between teeth, is a planar flossingsubstrate material formed of a shred-proof friction-lessening materialsuch as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). Alternatively, thedevice 10 may employ flossing substrate portions formed of multifilament nylon or a non-elastic ultra high molecular weight polyethylene(UHMWPE). The flossing substrate employing ePTFE, or nylon, or UHMWPEmay be waxed, coted, impregnated, Auxetic or unwaxed flossingsubstrates.

The two sections of flossing substrate 12 employed on the device 10 maybe similar in construction, or may employ different substrate types asdesired by a user. However, due to the superior coverage a plurality offlossing substrates 12 provides during translation over the surface ofteeth during flossing, the provision of at least two flossing elements12 is more desirable so as to aid a user in properly removingundesirable material from the surfaces of teeth being flossed.

A view from cross-sectional cut AA is seen in FIG. 1 b. The dissolvablecomponents shown as edible and preferably flavored substrate 20portions, suitable for dissolution in liquid and especially saliva, areshown as a first and second portion respectively 21, and 23. In oneparticularly preferred manner for all modes of the device 10 the ediblesubstrate 20 is pullulan based to provide a means for rapid dissolutionin the mouth during use. Also, the substrates 20 are formed insubstantially rectangular shape. However, those skilled in the art canappreciate a multitude of shapes and forms that can be employed whichachieve the same goal and are anticipated by this application.

The edible substrate portions 21,23 are shown on the first or top planarportion 15 of the device 10 at or near the innermost edges 19 of thehandles 14,16 where the flossing substrate 12 communicates therebetween.As noted, a means for engagement of the edible substrate 20 may beachieved through the provision of secondary adhesive cloth tape 18,shown by hatched fill lines in the figure, engaging the substrate 20 tothe first or top planar portion 15 at or near the innermost edge 19 ofthe respective handles. Of course other means for engagement for theedible substrate 20 may be employed and any such means of engagement aswould occur to those skilled in the art is anticipated within the scopeof this patent.

So engaged using adhesive or other means of engagement, the first andsecond portions 21,23 of the edible substrate 20 extend inward along oneside surface of the flossing substrate 12 which communicates between theengaged handles. As noted, shown in a particularly preferred mode, arethe edible substrate 20 portions extending to distal ends insofar as tomaintain the gap 25 centrally located on the device 10 in the as-usedposition with the flossing substrates 12 taught between the handles, andthereby defining the engagement zone 22.

This clearance is shown in FIG. 2 which depicts a top cross-sectionalview of the device 10 in an as-used position. The device 10 is shownwith the flossing substrate 12 engaged within the gap 101 between twoadjacent incisors 100. The engagement zone 22 provides clearance for thefirst and second portions 21,23 of the edible substrate 20 from theadjacent incisors 100. Additionally the gap 25 defines a means fortargeting the floss substrates 12 to a position proximate to the gap 101between any two adjacent teeth of the user whereafter the flosssubstrates 12 may be slidably engaged into the gap 101 more easily.

Using conventional translational flossing motion, the edible substrateportions 21,23 are deflected by the incisors and as shown deflected byincisor 100. Concurrently the substrate portions 21 and 23 providing thedissolvable components, continually dissolve thereby depositing one or acombination of wet or dry ingredients upon the teeth, gums, andsurrounding mouth of the user. Whether the capsule or edible substrateor combinations thereof, the dissolvable components can include one or acombination of wet or dry ingredients from a group including, adissolvable component formed as a solid solution such as dissolvablecandies and mints, or a dissolvable capsule containing a core formed ofone or a combination of wet or dry materials from a group including, abreath freshening core, a medicinal dosage, nutritional supplements,flavoring, mouthwash, a cooling agent, a heating agent, a dental plaquedisclosing agent, a medicine and nutritional supplements. Further foreither mode of dissolvable component included, it may be desirable toemploy a means to slow the rate of dissolution thereof. For instancewhen employing the edible substrate portions 21 and 23, or capsule 90, aslower dissolving rate for slower flossing users such as children, andthis may be accomplished in a number of ways known to those skilled inthe art, for instance using a mixture of 76% gelatin base for the ediblesubstrates 21 and 23 or capsule 90.

Another particularly preferred mode of the device 10 can be seen in thecross sectional view in FIG. 3. Similar to that of the mode described inFIGS. 1 a and 1 b, construction of device 10 employs an attachment ofthe handles 14 and 16 to the edible substrate 20 and the flossingsubstrate 12. In the depicted mode of the device 10 in FIG. 3, the firstand second edible substrate portions 21,23 extend insofar to create anoverlap 24 of the first and second portions. This mode of the device 10provides an increased portion of edible substrate 20 which can bedeposited in the mouth of the user. Upon engagement of the flossingsubstrate 12 to a pair of adjacent teeth (not shown) the portions 21,23are simply deflected away. While the preferred gap 25 is not employedfor targeting, the overlap point of the substrate portions 21 and 23 mayalso be employed, or, the two substrate portions 21 and 23 may be formedof different colors to enhance the overlap as the targeting position forengagement to the teeth by the user.

Yet another preferred mode of the device 10 is seen in a similar crosssectional view in FIG. 4. While similar in construction and use to thedevice of FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, this mode of the device 10 employs thefirst and second edible substrate portions 21 and 23, having a lengthwhich provides for abutting distal ends 26 at the gap 25 which may beused for targeting at engagement with the user's teeth. The position ofthe gap 25 may be enhanced using different color substrate portions 21and 23, or by terminating the colorizing of the substrate portions 21and 23 just before their distal ends 26 thereby forming a virtual gap 25viewable by the users for targeting the device 10 for insertion betweentheir teeth during flossing.

A further mode of the device 10 is shown in FIG. 5 a and sidecross-sectional view about line BB shown in FIG. 5 b. Employing similarconstruction and means of engagement of the left and right handles 14,16with the flossing substrate 12 as that of FIG. 1, this mode employsfirst and second substrates 21 and 23 in a sandwiched engagement withopposing first and second portions 21′,23′ of edible substrate 20, uponthe flossing substrate 12.

The first and second portions 21,23 shown positioned between theinnermost edges 62 of the first or top planar portion 15 of the handles14, 16 are respectively joined by an engagement means to the opposingfirst and second portions 21′,23′, similarly positioned between theinnermost edges 64 of the second or bottom planar portion 17 of thehandles 14, 16, thereby providing a means to hold them in place on theflossing substrate 12. Means to mate the portions of the top and bottomssurfaces may include one or a combination of edible adhesives or bysimply wetting the substrates and allowing them to dry after applyingcontact pressure on the two portions. For the configuration shown in thefigure a plurality of engagement zones 22 are created, and allow for aplurality of targeting or initiation positions to be employed by theuser when engaging the flossing substrate 12 between teeth.

A preferred mode of the device 10 is shown in FIGS. 6 a, 6 b and 6 c. Asevidenced from FIGS. 6 a, 6 b and 6 c, the first or top planar portion15 has, as shown in FIG. 6 c, an inner most surface 61 and the second orbottom planar portion 17 has an inner most surface 63. As furtherevidenced in FIG. 6 c, and therein on each handle 14 and 16, first andsecond portions 21, 23 of edible substrate 20 are engaged respectivelyon a ledge or an inner most portion 65 of the inner most surface 63 ofthe second or bottom planar portion 17 thereof, thereby joining therespective portions 21 and 23 of edible substrate 20 to handles 14, 16.

As even further evidenced in FIGS. 6 a, 6 b and 6 c, first and secondportions 21, 23 of edible substrate 20 are engaged respectively on thehandles 14 and 16 at the inner most edges 62 of the first or top planarportion 15 of the handles 14 and 16 at the respective abutted edges 28shared therebetween. As depicted in FIG. 6 c, each inner most edge 64 ofthe second or bottom planar portion 17 of each respective handle 14 and16 is longitudinally spaced apart from the inner most edge 62 of thefirst or top planar portion 15 to form a ledge or an inner most portion65 on an inner most surface 63, on each handle 14 and 16. As in thedevice of FIG. 1, a gap 25 defining a means for targeting or anengagement zone 22 is formed in a centrally located position on thedevice 10 providing the target for means of engagement of the device 10for use. As shown in FIGS. 6 a, 6 b and 6 c, the device 10 represents apreferred mode of the invention, and the device 10 represents the mostefficient structure employing the least amount of the flexible andhypoallergenic adhesive cloth tape and the like employed in the handles14, 16.

An additional preferred mode of the device 10 is depicted in FIGS. 6 d,6 e, and 6 f which show a single, offset strand of flossing substrate 12operatively engaged substantially across the entire long length of bothsubstantially flexible handles 14 and 16 from a first end from which theflossing substrata 12 extends to an opposite second ed. The handles 14and 16 are slotless and engaged by user compression of each handlebetween the thumb and a finger during use.

As can be seen in FIGS. 6 d, 6 e and 6 f, the first or top planarportion 15, as shown in FIG. 6 c, has an inner most surface 61 and thesecond or bottom planar portion 17 has an inner most surface 63. Asfurther disclosed in FIG. 6 f, and therein on each handle 14 and 16,first and second portions 21, 23 of edible substrate 20 may be engagedrespectively on a ledge or formed inner most portion 65 of the innermost surface 63 of the second or bottom planar portion 17 thereof or tothe inside edge of the handles 14 and 16. This provides a stable meansfor engagement of the respective portions 21 and 23 of edible substrate20, to planar substantially flexible handles 14, 16.

Also depicted in FIG. 6 d, and favored in all modes of the device 10with either one or two flossing substrates 12, a positioning of theflossing substrate 12 substantially across the entire length of eachflexible handle 14 and 16 in between opposing flexible top and bottomplanar portions thereof is provided. This provides an exceptionalengagement between handles and substrate 12 during tensioned use andexposes the entire length of substrate 12 within the handles to thepressure exerted between the user's thumb and fingers an theircompressive sandwiched engagement with each handle, to enhance substrateengagement.

As further shown in FIGS. 6 d, 6 e and 6 f, first and second portions21, 23 of edible substrate 20 are engaged respectively on the handles 14and 16 at the inner most edges 62 of the first or top planar portion 15of the handles 14 and 16 at the respective abutted edges 28 sharedtherebetween. As shown in FIG. 6 f, each inner most edge 64 of thesecond or bottom planar portion 17 of each respective handle 14 and 16is longitudinally spaced apart from the inner most edge 62 of the firstor top planar portion 15 and form a ledge or an innermost portion 65 onan innermost surface 63, on each handle 14 and 16.

As in the device of FIG. 1 a, a gap 25 defining a means for targeting oran engagement zone 22 is formed in a centrally located position on thedevice 10 providing the user a target for operative means of engagementof the tensioned flossing substrate 12 of the device 10 for use.However, as depicted in FIG. 6 d, there is only a single strand offlossing substrate 12 which is positioned off-center from the centerlineof both handles 14 and 16. This places the single strand of flossingsubstrate 12 closer to one long edge of both handles 14 and 16 and formany users is desirable because during use, it allows the flossingsubstrate 12 to reach closer to the gums of the user while positioningtheir fingers further away due to the offset mounting shown in FIG. 6 d.While not shown, the handles of FIGS. 31 a and 31 b might also beconfigured with this off-centerline positioning of the flossingsubstrate 12 in a similar fashion.

Still a further particularly preferred mode of the device is seen inFIGS. 7 a and 7 b. A substantially larger edible substrate 20 is engagedwith a first portion 21 on the flossing substrate 12 positionedsubstantially midway between the innermost edges 62 of the first or topplanar portion 15 of the first 14 and second 16 handles respectively.Further, a second portion 21′ of edible substrate 20 is positioned onthe flossing substrate 12 substantially midway between the innermostedges 64 of the second or bottom planar portion 17 of the first 14 andsecond 16 handles respectively. The two portions of edible substrate 20are held in place on the flossing substrate 12 by means of engagementsuch as adhesive or by engagement of the material forming the substrateportions. Gaps providing multiple engagement zones 22 for targetingduring use are maintained near both the first and second handles 14,16.

Another preferred mode of the device is shown in FIGS. 8 a and 8 b. Inthis mode first and second portions 21,23 of edible substrate 20adjacent the top planar portion 15 and first and second portions 21′,23′of edible substrate adjacent the bottom planar portion 17 are engaged tothe respective handles 14,16 at the inner most edge 19 by a surroundingmeans of engagement. Such an engagement means may be a substantialoverlap at the edge 19 of the two opposing portions of material formingthe handles themselves thereby adhering or engaging the edible substrate20 in a manner for it to extend toward the opposite handle and over theflossing substrate 12. Again, a gap 25 forming the target or engagementzone 22 is maintained.

FIGS. 9 a and 9 b show still another mode of the device 10 similar tothat of FIGS. 8 a and 8 b except that the first and second portions ofedible substrate 20 of both the top and bottom surface 21,23,21′,23′extend toward respective opposite handles to respective abutted edges 30forming the target defining an engagement zone for the user during use,as opposed to leaving the gap defining the engagement zone 22 previouslydescribed.

FIGS. 10 a and 10 b show an additional mode of the device 10 configuredby a flossing substrate 12 with an aperture 40 formed communicatingbetween the first or top planar surface 81 and a second or bottom planarsurface 83. First and second handles 14,16 are defined by end portionsof the planar flossing substrate 12. Side portions 13 of the planarflossing substrate 12 extend around the perimeter of, and help definethe aperture 40, and preferably align with the edge of the adjacentsubstrate 12 thereby providing an elongated means to floss when engagedwithin the crevices between teeth.

First and second portions 21,23 of edible substrate 20 are engaged onone surface such as the first or top planar surface 81 of the device byoperative means of engagement. Engaged to the flossing substrate 12,portions 21,23 are cut or formed in a manner to overlap the aperture 40and have the same side edge, that is widths, as the flossing substrate12. The portions 21,23 are engaged at or near the ends of the aperture40 using means of engagement such as adhesive or tape 18. The portions21, and 23 extend inward and over the aperture 40. The gap 25 ismaintained between the two portions and defines the target for the userin the engagement zone 22 as previously described.

An additional mode of the device 10 is depicted in FIGS. 11 a and 11 b.First and second portions 21,23 of edible substrate 20 positioned onboth the first or top planar surface 81 are respectively joined by anengagement means to the first and second portions 21′,23′ on theopposing second or bottom planar surface 83 holding them in place overthe aperture 40. Means to mate the portions of the top and bottomsurfaces may include one or a combination of edible adhesives or bysimply wetting the substrates and allowing them to dry after applyingcontact pressure on the two portions.

A particularly preferred current mode and the most preferred mode of thedevice 10 is shown in FIGS. 12 a, 12 b and 12 c. FIGS. 12 a, 12 b and 12c respectively show views of the device 10 similar to but furthermodified from FIGS. 6 a, 6 b and 6 c. The structure of the device 10from FIGS. 12 a, 12 b and 12 c is identical to the structure of thedevice 10 in FIGS. 6 a, 6 b and 6 c except for a transversely centeredand longitudinally centered longitudinal slit or aperture 70 within eachhandle 14, 16 of device 10. In this best current mode of the device 10,each handle 14, 16 is dimensioned large enough so that each longitudinalslit or aperture 70 in each handle 14 and 16 is dimensioned large enoughto be capable of being easily penetrated by the forefinger, and eachhandle 14 and 16 is dimensioned large enough to be capable of being heldand tensed to a useful degree of tension with forefingers as occursduring an alternate kind of flossing session. Such a slit or aperture 70in each handle 14, 16 of the device 10 can be incorporated toalternately, and optionally, modify the structure of any other mode ofthe invention.

A still further embodiment of another preferred mode of the device 10 isshown in FIGS. 13 a, 13 b and 13 c. FIGS. 13 a, 13 b and 13 crespectively show views of the device 10 similar to FIGS. 12 a, 12 b and12 c. The structure of the device 10 from FIGS. 13 a, 13 b and 13 c isidentical to the structure of the device 10 in FIGS. 12 a, 12 b and 12 cexcept for a single strand of flossing substrate 12 is employed betweenthe handles 14,16. There is further shown a transversely centered andlongitudinally centered longitudinal slit or aperture 70 within eachhandle 14, 16 of device 10. In this preferred mode of the device 10similar to that of FIGS. 12 a-c, each handle 14, 16 is dimensioned largeenough so that each longitudinal slit or aperture 70 in each handle 14and 16 is dimensioned large enough to be capable of being easilypenetrated by the forefinger, and each handle 14 and 16 is dimensionedlarge enough to be capable of being held and tensed to a useful degreeof tension between or about forefingers as occurs during an alternatekind of flossing session. Again, such a slit or aperture 70 in eachhandle 14, 16 of the device 10 can be incorporated to alternately, andoptionally, modify the structure of any other mode of the invention.

A yet still further embodiment of a particularly preferred mode of thedevice 10 is depicted in FIGS. 14 a and 14 b. FIGS. 14 a, 14 brespectively show views of the device 10 similar to but further modifiedfrom FIGS. 11 a, and 11 b. The structure of the device 10 from FIGS. 14a and 14 b are identical to the structure of the device 10 in FIGS. 11 aand 11 b except for a transversely centered and longitudinally centeredlongitudinal slit or aperture 70 within each handle 14, 16 of device 10.First and second portions 21,23 of edible substrate 20 positioned onboth the first or top planar surface 81 are respectively joined by anengagement means to the first and second portions 21′,23′ on theopposing second or bottom planar surface 83 holding them in place overthe aperture 40. Means to mate the portions of the top and bottomsurfaces may include one or a combination of edible adhesives or bysimply wetting the substrates and allowing them to dry after applyingcontact pressure on the two portions.

A still further embodiment of the preferred mode of the device 10 isdepicted in FIGS. 15 a and 15 b. In this mode the handles 14′,16′ aredisposed in the transverse direction including a transversely centeredslit or aperture 75 within each handle 14′,16′ of the device 10. Theflossing substrate 12 is again shown sandwiched between a first or topplanar portion 15 and second or bottom planar portion 17. As can be seenthe flossing substrates 12 communicate through the engagement zone 22between the handles 14′,16′ disposed substantially parallel in thelongitudinal direction 80. Upon sandwiched engagement with the top 15and bottom 17 planar portions of the handles 14′,16′ the substrate 12then extends substantially at a right angle in a disposition parallel tothe transverse direction 82. This mode may better provide a means tomaintain the substrate 12 in sandwiched engagement between the portions15,17 of the handles 14′,16′ when a user applies tension in thelongitudinal direction as is in the as used mode. Further, this mode mayadditionally be modified to employ the edible substrates 21,23 of any ofthe previously disclosed preferred modes of the device 10.

FIG. 16 shows a top view of the device 10 from FIGS. 1 a and 1 b in theas-used position translatabley engaged for flossing. The flossingsubstrate 12 is shown engaged within the space 101 between two adjacentincisors 100. The edible substrate 20 is positioned near the incisor 100and as contact with a saliva coated tooth or gum tissue begins,dissolvable component provided by the substrate 20 proceeds to dissolveand deposit any of the aforementioned ingredients flavor, cooling agent,medicine, etc. or combination thereof.

More detailed depictions of the method of use associated with the device10 may be seen in FIG. 17. The device 10 is grasped between the thumb af A preferred mode of the device 10 is shown in FIGS. 6 a, 6 b and 6 c.As evidenced from FIGS. 6 a, 6 b and 6 c, the first or top planarportion 15 has, as shown in FIG. 6 c, an inner most surface 61 and thesecond or bottom planar portion 17 has an inner most surface 63. Asfurther evidenced in FIG. 6 c, and therein on each handle 14 and 16,first and second portions 21, 23 of edible substrate 20 are engagedrespectively on a ledge or an inner most portion 65 of the inner mostsurface 63 of the second or bottom planar portion 17 thereof, therebyjoining the respective portions 21 and 23 of edible substrate 20 tohandles 14, 16.

As even further evidenced in FIGS. 6 a, 6 b and 6 c, first and secondportions 21, 23 of edible substrate 20 are engaged respectively on thehandles 14 and 16 at the inner most edges 62 of the first or top planarportion 15 of the handles 14 and 16 at the respective abutted edges 28shared therebetween. As depicted in FIG. 6 c, each inner most edge 64 ofthe second or bottom planar portion 17 of each respective handle 14 and16 is longitudinally spaced apart from the inner most edge 62 of thefirst or top planar portion 15 to form a ledge or an inner most portion65 on an inner most surface 63, on each handle 14 and 16. As in thedevice 10 of FIG. 1, a gap 25 defining a means for targeting or anengagement zone 22 is formed in a centrally located position on thedevice 10 providing the target for means of engagement of the device 10for use. As shown in FIGS. 6 a, 6 b and 6 c, the device 10 represents apreferred mode of the invention, and the device 10 represents the mostefficient structure employing the least amount of the flexible andhypoallergenic adhesive cloth tape and the like, employed in the handles14, 16. The user then engages the flossing substrate 12 within theengagement zone 22, overlap 24, or abutted edge 26,30 of the ediblesubstrate 20 to glide into the space 101 between two adjacent teeth 100.A flossing up and down motion, or reciprocating motion, then proceeds tocause a cleaning of the space between teeth while saliva upon the salivacoated teeth and/or gums, continually dissolves the edible substrate 20.

These steps are then repeated on the adjacent teeth. Additionally, inthe preferred method for cleaning back teeth and other hard to reachteeth, the user engages the forefinger into the slit 70 of the handles14,16, and then can press the tips of the middle finger against thehandles 14,16 creating tension in the device 10 for improved flossing,as is described immediately below.

FIG. 17A depicts the steps in use of a favored mode of the device 10herein having a single strand of flossing substrate 12 and positioned tothe as-used position. As noted the single strand of flossing substrate12 as shown, is operatively engaged to each of the substantiallyflexible handles 14 and 16 through a communication between the sidesurfaces thereof, running substantially the entire long or axial lengthof the handles 14 and 16 and as shown in FIGS. 6 d and 6 e.Additionally, while this engagement can be centered along the center oraxis of both handles 14 and 16, as depicted in a preferred mode theflossing substrate 12 is positioned closer to one long edge of each ofthe opposing handles 14 and 16 thereby achieving an offset engagementtherebetween.

The slotless substantially flexible handles 14 and 16 are employed inthe as-used position, in an engagement sandwiched between the compresseduser's thumb and a finger. The flexible handles 14 and 16 without slotsformed therein, will form a splayed and enhanced frictional engagementof the substantially flexible handles with a respective one of thefinger and thumb in contact therewith during use. This splayedengagement as used, provides an enhancement to the compressivesandwiched engagement of the thumb and finger to better and more easilyhold the device 10 in the as-used position during a tensioning of thefloss substrate 12 between the flexible handles 14 and 16.

FIG. 18 a shows a view of the device 10 in the as used mode showing thehandle 14 in preferred splayed engagement. This engagement provided by asplayed engagement with the handles, following the contour of aforefinger of the user, as would be achieved in the first seven steps ofthe sequence of steps of FIG. 17. The splayed engagement provides ameans to prevent slippage of the handle 14 from a finger during use bymaintaining an increased surface area contact and curved engagementwhich resists slippage.

FIG. 18 b shows, with the mode of FIG. 12 a depicted, an alternate, andoptional, preferred eighth step that may be substituted for the firststep in the sequence of steps of FIG. 17 which may be further optionallymodified throughout, as not shown, for use of the device 10. The splay71 formed following the curve of the user's finger provides a morecomfortable and secure engagement thereto. FIG. 18 shows an easy way tohold the device 10 tensed upon or between forefingers and pressed bytips of middle fingers at the ready. Alternately, instead of middlefingers, two thumbs can be used to further maneuver the device 10, whereone thumb is not shown in FIG. 18 b.

Referring to the first step of the sequence of eight steps for use ofthe device 10, depicted in FIG. 17, FIG. 18 shows an alternate, andoptional, eighth step of the method of use of device 10 from FIG. 12easily held and tensed by forefingers and pressed by tips of middlefingers at the ready to subsequently, and as not shown, with aforefinger engaged with each longitudinal slit or aperture 70 of eachhandle 14 and 16 and with the tip of a middle finger with each handle 14and 16, easily maneuver and use the device 10 to floss behind andbetween back teeth and/or between front teeth and anything in between.

It is additionally preferred that the slit or aperture 70 be partiallyor substantially non-tearing slits 70 as the tension imposed on thedistal ends of the slits 70 may tend to tear the handles 14, 16. Howeverthe degree of tearing can be minimized by employing at least oneadditional top or bottom layer of the non-stretchable or substantiallynon-stretchable fabric such as the 3M adhesive cloth tape, Dupont TYVEKspunbonded high density polyethylene, or a nonwoven spunbonded highdensity polyethylene fabric adapted to the task herein. It is the abovetensioned engagement of fingers with the slits 70 that forms the splay71 providing a friction enhancing surface for a finger-engagement andresulting comfort when under tension.

Additionally, handle portions 14,16, in all preferred modes of thedevice 10, may be formed of injection molded polypropylene as opposed toemploying the sandwiched engagement of adhesive backed fabric. It ispreferred that the injection molded or otherwise formed polypropylene beemployed substantially thin, preferably about 0.015 inch (0.038centimeter), to ensure a comfortable and flexible grip yet still providea thickness that does not allow the handles 14,16 to break. Further, itis advantageous that the slit 70 alternatively be employed has a slothaving a substantial width as to allow a user's forefinger to easilyengage within the slot as needed for the as used mode shown previously.

In FIG. 19 there is shown a perspective view of the device 10 in anotherparticularly preferred mode which would be employable in a portable butclean, moisture proof fashion. This mode of the device 10 would beparticularly adapted for being carried by the user during travel, or fordispensing by hotels and the like to patrons staying on the propertymuch like soap and other toiletries.

As depicted, the device 10, which could be any mode of the device 10described herein is surrounded by a removable package 50 forming aclean, moisture proof storage compartment 51 for the device 10 therein.The package 50 is shown in transparent form, however it can also beopaque and may have indicia thereon showing the name of the hotel ordispensing entity. Further, the indicia may also include the depictedsteps of FIG. 17 to educate users as to the proper manner to employ thedevice 10 once removed from the package 50.

In the mode of the device 10 in combination with the package 50 of FIG.19, the device 10 is generally employed in a single use disposablemanner. In a method of use, the user would hold the device 10 encasedwithin the clean, substantially moisture proof compartment 51 of thepackage 50 in their hands. In a next step, a frangible or tear offportion 52 would be removed to provide a means to access the device 10within compartment 51 of the package 50. The compartment 51 may have arelease liner 73 to prevent the device from sticking to the sidewalls ofthe compartment 51 such as a film of non-stick plastic material. Oncethe tear off portion 52 is removed the device 10 would be extracted andthe user would employ the device 10 in the method of steps depicted inFIG. 17. Once finished the user would dispose of the device 10 and thepackage 50.

Such individual combinations of the device 10 and package 50 may be soldseparately or in a container of many individual packages 50 which may beseparated or may be on a roll of individually removable packages 50 witheach containing a device 10 within their respective compartment 51. Soldand distributed in bulk, the device 10 would be especially adapted foruse and individually dispensing, or sampling, to any global or domesticmanufacturer or marketer of pre-existing globally branded orretail-store branded dental flosses, trade show booths and dentalschools for dentists or dental hygienists, dental patients visiting thedentist or dental hygienist, medical patients visiting a medical doctoror dentist who prescribes regular flossing to minimize system-wideinflammation due to gum disease, guests in their hotel bathrooms, firstclass airline passengers, cruise ship passengers in their cabinbathrooms, astronauts, hospital patients, crew members in submarinebathrooms, elementary school teachers and/or elementary school studentsin their classrooms, women on the go carrying purses, men whose clotheshave pockets, oral care companies and/or insurance companies whoanalogous to providing good driver discounts or discounts for exerciseand/or prevention seek better compliance by dental patients monitored bydental or medical professionals, and other venues such as travel kits orinserts to or piggybacked on boxes of a global brand of toothpaste onthe shelves of supermarket aisles where users may not yet have their ownsupply of floss with them, or where a one-use flossing component, orlikeness of such a component and proper flossing instructions actuallypurchased in a virtual world created by residents (people like you)participating on the world wide web in games simulating real life suchas the Second Life® game by Linden Research Inc. whose well knownon-line games can also be a virtual way to encourage or train someone ona new flossing component virtually before they attempt the real thing inreal life, would all be especially desirable when used for the firsttime or used regularly to help maintain, improve or help encourage thehabit of improving oral health and system-wide health.

An additional preferred mode of the device 10 is shown in FIGS. 20 a, 20b, and 20 c. Similar to other modes of the device 10 shown in previousfigures, the first or top planar portion 15 has, as shown in FIG. 20 c,an inner most surface 61 and the second or bottom planar portion 17 hasan inner most surface 63. As is preferred in the current mode, andfurther evidenced in FIG. 20 c, and therein the second handle 16, aportion 23 of edible substrate 20 is engaged on a ledge or an inner mostportion 65 of the inner most surface 63 of the second or bottom planarportion 17 thereof, thereby joining the portions 23 of edible substrate20 to the handle 16. Alternatively, on the first handle 14 there isclearly seen a dissolvable component in the form of capsule 90 engagedin a substantially central position on the ledge or an inner mostportion 65 of the inner most surface 63 of the second or bottom planarportion 17 of the handle 14 thereby joining the capsule 90 to the handle14, shown clearly in FIGS. 20 a, 20 c and 20 d. Additional preferredmeans for engaging the capsule are shown later in FIGS. 21-23.

As even further evidenced in FIGS. 20 a and 20 c, the dissolvablecapsule 90 and portion 23 of edible substrate 20 are engagedrespectively on the handles or ledge or inner most portion 65 of eachhandle 14 and 16 at or near the inner most edges 62 of the first or topplanar portion 15 of the handles 14 and 16 at the respective abuttededges 28 shared therebetween. Again, as in the device of FIG. 1, a gap25 defining a means for targeting or an engagement zone 22 is formed ina centrally located position on the device 10 providing the target formeans of engagement of the device 10 for use.

It is noted that the employment of the dissolvable capsule 90, similarto that of the substrate 20, is intended to elicit a pleasant gustatoryand/or olfactory sensation in the user during the use of dental flossdevice 10 in a proper fashion, that is, the user's saliva tends to wetthe handles during use and therefor additionally wet and dissolve thedissolvable capsule 90 and substrate 20. In accordance to at least onepreferred mode of the device 10 the most favored dissolvable capsule 90is one provided by the patent to Mane et al (U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,754,239and 7,744,922), herein incorporated in their entirety by reference,teaching fast dissolving (and filled) dissolvable capsules employingsome gelatin (and sorbitol) in the shell of the capsule having a breathfreshening core. There is further noted a non-gelatin capsule shellformation found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,949,256 issued to Fonkwe et al,herein incorporated in its entirety by reference, whose abstractindicates that the non-gelatin capsule shell is intended “forencapsulating wet or dry materials including medicinal dosage forms,nutritional supplements . . . etc.”

Still further, it is noted that in accordance with all modes of thedevice employing a dissolvable component provided by one or a pluralityof dissolvable capsules, it is to be understood that the dissolvablecapsule is not limited to the favored elements described above, howevercan be any one from a group including candies and mints such as ALTOIDS,M&M'S, TIC-TACS, THERAMINTS, other commercially and non-commerciallyavailable mints. As such, the dissolvable component can be formed one ora combination of wet or dry ingredients from a group of ingredientsincluding, a dissolvable component formed as a solid solution such asdissolvable candies and mints, or a dissolvable capsule containing acore formed of one or a combination of wet or dry materials from a groupincluding, a breath freshening core, a medicinal dosage, nutritionalsupplements, flavoring, mouthwash, a cooling agent, a heating agent, adental plaque disclosing agent, a medicine and nutritional supplements.

An additional note is made that the flossing substrate 12 can be formedfrom a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) which can be an elastic polyetherblock amide, known commonly under the trademark Pebax (available fromArkema). Alternately, the flossing substrate 12 can be formed from aninelastic ePTFE such that the aperture 40 can be laser cut to form theflossing substrate 12. The flossing substrate 12 thus can be formed inthis mode, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, out of elastic orinelastic material. Alternately, in accordance with this preferred modeof device 10 the composition of another favored flossing substrate 12 isprovided by the patent(s) to Chen (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,153,254 and6,161,555), herein incorporated in their entirety by reference, teachinga gelatinous elastomer composition, or crystal gel, that can be shapedor formed, for example by molding or casting, into the flossingsubstrate 12 of device 10 of FIGS. 29 a and 29 b (and FIGS. 10 a and 10b, and FIGS. 11 a and 11 b, and FIGS. 14 a and 14 b). As indicated byChen, such a gelatinous elastomer composition, or crystal or other gel,shaped into a floss removes dental plaque from between teeth at the sametime that the gelatinous elastomer composition, or crystal gel is gentleon the gums. Such a preferred gelatinous elastomer composition, orcrystal gel, formed into the flossing substrate 12 of device 10, is notonly much more gentle on gums than any regular string floss employing,for example, an elastic polyether block amide (such as the string ofJohnson & Johnson's elastic “REACH” “TOTAL CARE” dental floss tape orinelastic ePTFE (such as the string of Procter & Gamble's ePTFE “GLIDE”dental floss tape), but compared to any string floss, device 10 is alsomuch easier, much more comfortable and breath freshening.

Still further, it is noted that the handles 14, 16 of the currentlydisclosed preferred mode of the device 10, as well as all other modes ofthe device 10, may be entirely formed of, or have top and bottom planarportions 15, 17 formed of one or a combination of handle materials froma group including, flexible nonwoven fabric; woven fabric; woven rayonacetate tape; spunbonded polypropylene nonwoven fabric; spunbonded nylonnonwoven fabric; spunbonded blended polyolefin hydrophobic nonwovenfabric; high density polyethylene nonwoven fabric; powder-free,scent-free, latex-free rubber; thermoplastic elastomer polyether blockamide; thermoplastic elastomer; spunbonded polypropylene hydrophobicnonwoven fabric; laser cut woven or nonwoven fabric; and other suitablematerials.

Further, it is preferred that a transfer adhesive is employed in orderto engage the top and bottom portions 15, 17 forming the handles 14, 16such as a hypoallergenic medical grade transfer adhesive (available asproduct #1524 from 3M). An alternate to a transfer adhesive is a hotmeltadhesive (available as product #H20009 from Bostik or, as mostpreferred, product #H2465 from Bostik). A further note is made in thatthe flossing substrate 12 can be formed from an elastic thermoplasticelastomer polyether block amide such as that employed in Johnson &Johnson's “REACH” “TOTAL CARE” dental floss tape, which is elastic.

FIG. 20 d shows another preferred mode of the device 10 wherein thefirst and second handles 14, 16 each employ dissolvable capsules 90 in asubstantially mirrored configuration. As is shown, it is to beunderstood that the longitudinally spaced apart capsules 90 from onehandle 14 to the other 16 in such a mode can have the general appearanceto the user as a whole, especially to young children and football fansand other adults, to resemble longitudinally spaced apart small “goalposts”. Therefore the capsule 90 ‘goal posts’ provide a physical targetto identify the engagement zone 22 and therefore assist the user tomaneuver through the space or gap 25 during use.

In use, as the user successfully passes the flossing substrate 12between two adjacent incisors 100, the ‘goal posts’ are contactedessentially telling the user they have reached the ‘goal’. At the sametime the ‘goal posts’ of the dissolvable capsule 90 are dissolved in thewarm and moist environment of the mouth upon contact with saliva. Thedissolving capsule 90 thereby releases the breath freshening or othercore during flossing, and thereby conveys that the user has ‘scored’ therequisite ‘points’. The user can readily perceive the gustatory and/orolfactory rewards at the same time the user is eyeing the gap 25 andflossing substrate 12 of device 10 for cleaning/flossing between teethfor ‘scoring’ essentially multiple ‘points’ of the instant flossinvention, which is use-reinforcing for users.

In FIG. 21 a and FIG. 21 b, there is an additional preferred mode of thedevice 10 wherein both handles 14, 16 employ dissolvable capsules 90 ina substantially mirrored configuration with the dissolvable capsule 90engaged to the ledge portions 65 of the handles 14, 16. The capsule 90is positioned substantially central on the ledge or an innermost portion65 and an additional tab portion 92 of the bottom planar portion 17 nearthe inner most edge 64 is employed for engagement about a substantialsurface area of the capsule 90, providing secured engagement thereon.

FIG. 21 c shows yet another preferred mode of the device 10 wherein thesecond handle 16 includes a portion 23 of edible substrate 20 engaged ona ledge or an inner most portion 65 of the second or bottom planarportion 17 thereof, thereby joining the portions 23 of edible substrate20 to the handle 16. The first handle 14 includes a dissolvable capsule90 engaged substantially central on the ledge or an innermost portion 65in a manner similar to that of FIG. 21 a. As can be seen the additionaltab portion 92 of the bottom planar portion 17 near the inner most edge64 is employed for engagement about a substantial surface area of thecapsule 90, providing secured engagement of the capsule 90 to the firsthandle 14.

In FIG. 22 a and FIG. 22 b there is yet an additional preferred mode ofthe devices employing other means for engaging the capsule 90 to theledge or innermost portion 65. As can be seen there is a longitudinalslit 94 extending from the inner most edge 64 of the bottom planarportion 17 such as to provide a kind of cradle to nestle or otherwiseengage the capsule 90 about a larger surface area.

FIG. 22 c shows still yet another preferred mode of the device 10wherein the second handle 16 includes a portion 23 of edible substrate20 engaged on a ledge or an inner most portion 65 of the second orbottom planar portion 17 thereof, thereby joining the portions 23 ofedible substrate 20 to the handle 16. The first handle 14 includes adissolvable capsule 90 engaged substantially central on the ledge or aninnermost portion 65 in a manner similar to that of FIG. 22 a. As can beseen, a longitudinal slit 94 extending from the inner most edge 64 ofthe bottom planar portion 17 provides a kind of cradle to nestle orotherwise engage the capsule 90 about a larger surface area providingsecured engagement of the capsule 90 to the first handle 14.

Further, in FIG. 23 a there is still another preferred mode of thedevice 10 showing another preferred engaged position of the capsule 90to the respective handles 14, 16. As shown, the capsules 90 shown areengaged on the ledge or innermost portion 65 in a position extendingsubstantially past the inner most edge 64 of the bottom planar portion17. This mode ensures the user's saliva will contact the capsules 90, 91almost immediately when employed properly.

FIG. 23 b shows still another preferred mode of the device 10 whereinthe second handle 16 again includes a portion 23 of edible substrate 20engaged on a ledge or an inner most portion 65 of the second or bottomplanar portion 17 thereof, thereby joining the portions 23 of ediblesubstrate 20 to the handle 16. The first handle 14 includes adissolvable capsule 90 engaged substantially central on the ledge or aninnermost portion 65 in a manner similar to that of FIG. 23 a. As can beseen, the capsule 90 is engaged on the ledge or innermost portion 65 ina position extending substantially past the inner most edge 64 of thebottom planar portion 17.

A still further additional preferred mode of the device 10 is shown inFIGS. 24 a, 24 b, and 24 c. In this mode, on the first handle 14 thereis clearly seen a first dissolvable capsule 90 and a second dissolvablecapsule 91 spaced a distance apart and engaged at or near the corners ofthe ledge or an inner most portion 65 of the inner most surface 63 ofthe second or bottom planar portion 17 of the handle 14 thereby joiningthe capsules 90, 91 to the handle 14. Additional preferred means forengaging the capsules 90, 91 to the ledge or innermost portion 65 areshown later in FIGS. 26-28.

Shown and preferred, there is a first portion 21 of substrate 20 engagedto ledge or innermost portion 65 and disposed substantially midwaybetween the capsules 90, 91. As could be imagined, the device 10 in thecurrent mode provides a gustatory and/or olfactory sensation in the userduring proper employment.

It is to be noted that it is within the scope of the invention thatother modes of the device 10, however not shown, may provide a firsthandle 14 as shown in previous FIG. 24 a, and a second handle 16, beingof a substantially mirrored configuration.

FIGS. 25 a, 25 b, and 25 c show yet an additional preferred mode of thedevice 10. In the current mode, a first and second capsule 90, 91 areprovided, similar to that in FIGS. 24 a-c, however in this mode noportion 21 of substrate 20 is provided. As such, a gustatory and/orolfactory sensation will still be provided. A partial end view of thefirst handle 14 is shown in FIG. 25 d.

FIG. 26 shows still another preferred mode of the device 10 wherein thesecond handle 16 also employs a plurality of dissolvable capsules 90, 91in a substantially mirrored configuration to the first handle 14.

FIG. 27 a shows a view of yet another preferred mode of the device 10the handles 14, 16 in a substantially mirrored configuration employingan additional preferred means for engaging first and second dissolvablecapsules 90, 91 thereon. In this mode, the capsules 90, 91 are similarlyspaced a distance apart and engaged at or near the corners of the ledgeor an inner most portion 65 wherein first and second transverse tabportions 95, 96 are operatively employed for substantial surface areaengagement with the capsules 90, 91. As shown in the partial end view ofFIG. 27 b, it can be clearly seen that the engagement of the transversetab portions 95, 96 about the surface area of the capsules 90, 91provide added secured engagement over the simple planar engagement shownin the previous mode.

FIG. 28 shows a view of yet another preferred mode of the device 10 withthe handles 14, 16 employing yet another preferred means for engagingthe first and second dissolvable capsules 90, 91. As is shown, thecapsules 90, 91 are similarly spaced a distance apart and engaged at ornear the corners of the ledge or an inner most portion 65 wherein thecorners 97, 98 are folded over providing surface area engagement withthe capsules 90, 91.

Further, it is noted that in other modes of the device 10 not shown yetreadily recognized by one skilled in the art that the device 10 mayinclude a first handle 14 employing first and second capsules 90, 91similar to that of FIG. 27 a or 28 in combination with a second handle16 employing edible substrate 20 engaged at or near the second handle16. In these modes, the substrate 20 may be engaged in accordance withany of the disclosed means to engage the substrate 20 thereon, and areanticipated.

A still further embodiment of a particularly preferred mode of thedevice 10 is depicted in FIGS. 29 a and 29 b. First and second handles14,16 are defined by end portions of the planar flossing substrate 12.Side portions 13 of the planar flossing substrate 12 extend around theperimeter of, and help define the aperture 40, and preferably align withthe edge of the adjacent substrate 12 thereby providing an elongatedmeans to floss when engaged within the crevices between teeth.

First dissolvable capsule 90 and second portion 23 of edible substrate20 are engaged on one surface such as the first or top planar surface 81of the device by operative means of engagement. Engaged to the flossingsubstrate 12, the portion 23 is cut or formed in a manner to overlap theaperture 40 and have the same side edge, that is width, as the flossingsubstrate 12, while the capsule 90 preferably has the same width as theaperture 40. The capsule 90 and portion 23 are engaged at or near theends of the aperture 40 using means of engagement such as adhesive ortape 18. The portion 23 and capsule 90 extend inward and over theaperture 40. The gap 25 is maintained between the two portions anddefines the target for the user in the engagement zone 22 as previouslydescribed.

It is once again noted that it is within the scope of the invention thatstill other modes of the device 10, not shown however readily recognizedby one skilled in the art, may provide a first handle 14 as shown inprevious FIG. 29 a, and a second handle 16, being of a substantiallymirrored configuration, and is anticipated.

In FIG. 30 there is shown a perspective view of the device 10 in stillanother particularly preferred mode which would be employable in aportable but clean, moisture proof fashion, similar to that of FIG. 19shown previously. This mode of the device 10 would be particularlyadapted for being carried by the user during travel, or for dispensingby hotels and the like to patrons staying on the property much like soapand other toiletries.

As depicted, the device 10, preferably being a mode of the device 10employing a dissolvable capsule 90 described herein is surrounded by aremovable package 50 forming a clean, moisture proof storage compartment51 for the device 10 therein. The package 50 is shown in transparentform, however it can also be opaque and may have indicia thereon showingthe name of the hotel or dispensing entity. Further, in accordance withmodes of the device 10 employing dissolvable components such as film orone or more dissolvable capsules, the package 50 is preferably formed asa kind of rigid blister package, in order to protect the capsule andprevent damage. In use the entire package 50 may be formed as a blisterpackage or, alternatively, only the portion covering the capsule may beof a blister package type. Again, a frangible or tear off portion 52 anda release liner 73 are provided.

FIGS. 31 a, 31 b and 31 c depict a particularly favored mode of thedevice 10 herein having dissolvable component in the form of a waterlessgel 93 on an inwardly facing surface 99 adjacent the single flossingsubstrate 12 engaged on each end with each of the pair of handles 14 aand 16 a. Of course as with all modes of the device 10 the waterless gel93 can be substituted with another of the disclosed modes of thedissolvable component or the waterless gel 93 may be employed on theother favored modes of the device 10 disclosed herein. For Example sucha waterless gel is commercially available from Oralabs, Inc. of Parker,Colo., whereby the waterless gel was taken and applied from thewaterless gel already infused in the brush-head of the mini-toothbrush(commercially available from Oralabs, Inc) understood to be under atrademark license for the trademarks scope “SCOPE” “OUTLAST” fromProcter & Gamble to Oralabs, Inc.

As particularly preferred in the mode of the device 10 of FIGS. 31 a, 31b, and 31 c, the gel 93 is positioned in an operative engagement onadjacent surface 99 of the handles 14 a and 16 a which is positionedsufficiently proximate to the intersection of the single strand offlossing substrate 12 with the inside edges defined by surface 99 ofeach respective handle 14 a and 16 a. So positioned, the waterless gel93 can be placed in contact with the teeth and gums of the user bytranslating the floss strand 12 in between two teeth to bring one of thetwo handles 14 a and 16 a sufficiently close to the translation point ofthe flossing substrate 12 between adjacent teeth whereby the waterlessgel 93 makes contact with the areas adjacent to the translation point.

In an alternative mode, the flossing substrate 12 may initially bestored within one or both handles 14 a and 16 a, and upon a gripping ofthe handles 14 a and 16 a by the user, and imparting a tensioning on theflossing substrate 12 therebetween, the flossing substrate 12 translatesout of one or both handles and through a contact with the gel 93 forsubsequent deposit on the teeth and gums. The gel 93 in this mode maystill be deposited to the areas of teeth and gums surrounding atranslation point between any adjacent teeth by contact therewith fromits position and the surface 99.

The elongated handles 14 a and 16 a of the device 10 of FIGS. 31 a-31 care formed of substantially rigid material, which will maintain anelongated configuration adapted to either a compression engagementbetween the user's finger and thumb, or a wrapped engagement of one or aplurality of the user's fingers around a portion of the exteriorcircumference 105 in combination with, or without a contact of theuser's thumb.

The elongated handles may be formed as a unitary structure of hollow orsolid material such as polymeric material, paper, or injection moldedplastic, or they may be formed from components adapted to form thehandles 14 a and 16 a which are operatively engaged to the flossingsubstrate 12 such as by a mechanical engagement of half sections orfrictional engagement of half sections or adhesive engagement.

Alternatively the adjacent surface 99 defining an inside edge, can beengageable to one end of an elongated handle 14 a and 16 a, and afterfirst being engaged with the flossing substrate 12. Further, if theadjacent surface 99 is formed as a cone or half hemisphere as depictedin the figures, it can be formed with an internal cavity housing the gel93, which upon a compression of a flexible sidewall defining thestructure and shape of the adjacent surface 99, would dispense the gel93 through an aperture 111 at or adjacent to an intersection with theflossing substrate 12 and onto the substrate 12, as well as the exteriorsurface engaged device defining the adjacent surface 99.

While all of the fundamental characteristics and features of theimproved flossing invention have been shown and described herein, withreference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification,various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoingdisclosure and it will be apparent that in some instances, some featuresof the invention may be employed without a corresponding use of otherfeatures without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth.It should also be understood that various substitutions, modifications,and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the invention. Consequently, all suchmodifications and variations and substitutions are included within thescope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A dental floss apparatus for cleaning the gapbetween two adjacent teeth in the surrounding mouth of a user,comprising: at least one strand of flossing substrate extending betweenrespective hemispherically shaped first ends of a respective pair ofhandles from respective permanent engagements with each said handle;said handles having a second end opposite said first end and continuousopposing side edges running therebetween defining handle surfacesconfigured for a compressive engagement in-between a finger and thumb ofa user for a pulling of said handles in substantially oppositedirections and rendering said flossing substrate to an as-used position,tensioned and between said respective first ends of said handles; saidhandles formed of substantially rigid material as elongated membersextending between respective said first ends and respective said secondends; a diameter of said handles extending between said respective firstend and second end, defining an exterior circumference of each saidhandle, said circumference being covered by said handle surface runningbetween said first end and second end, said circumference sized to allowmultiple fingers of said user to form a wrapped compressive engagementtherewith; said handle surface around said circumference of said handlesallowing for an enhancement of said compressive engagement between saidthumb and said finger of a user for preventing a slippage of saidhandles during said pulling; at least one dissolvable componentpositioned adjacent respective first ends of said pair of handles in anengagement with one of said handles or with said flossing substrate; anda dissolving of said dissolvable component with said dental flossapparatus in said as-used position, communicating a deposit of a residueupon said surfaces of said teeth and the surrounding mouth of said user,and translation of said dental floss apparatus in said as-used positionwhile inserted within said gap, providing a translating contact of saidflossing substrate with surfaces of said teeth which is enhanced throughelimination of said slippage during said flossing.
 2. The dental flossapparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for an enhancement of saidcompressive engagement between said thumb and said finger comprises:said handles formed of flexible material; and said pulling forming asplaying of said flexible material and elastically conforming a shape ofsaid handles complimentary to that of a curved surface of one of saidthumb or said finger of each respective hand of said user, therebyincreasing surface contact of said thumb or finger with a respectivesaid handle during said compressive engagement.
 3. The dental flossapparatus of claim 2 additionally comprising: said respective engagementof said flossing substrate with each of said pair of handles being anextension of said substrate in a contact between two engaged sides ofsaid handle substantially across an entire length of each said handleextending from said first ends to respective second ends oppositethereto.
 4. The dental floss apparatus of claim 3 additionallycomprising: said handles each having a center line centered between saidside edges; and said flossing substrate extending between saidrespective first ends of a respective pair of handles from a positionin-between said center line and one of said side edges.
 5. The dentalfloss apparatus of claim 3 additionally comprising: said at least onedissolvable component positioned adjacent respective first ends of saidpair of handles in an engagement with one of said handles or with saidflossing substrate being a waterless gel.
 6. The dental floss apparatusof claim 2 additionally comprising: said handles each having a centerline centered between said side edges; and said flossing substrateextending between said respective first ends of a respective pair ofhandles from a position in-between said center line and one of said sideedges.
 7. The dental floss apparatus of claim 6 additionally comprising:said at least one dissolvable component positioned adjacent respectivefirst ends of said pair of handles in an engagement with one of saidhandles or with said flossing substrate being a waterless gel.
 8. Thedental floss apparatus of claim 2 additionally comprising: said at leastone dissolvable component positioned adjacent respective first ends ofsaid pair of handles in an engagement with one of said handles or withsaid flossing substrate being a waterless gel.
 9. The dental flossapparatus of claim 2 additionally comprising: said at least onedissolvable component positioned adjacent respective first ends of saidpair of handles in an engagement with one of said handles or with saidflossing substrate being a waterless gel.
 10. The dental floss apparatusof claim 1 additionally comprising: said respective permanentengagements of said flossing substrate with each of said pair of handlesbeing an extension of said substrate in a permanent contact between saidhandle surfaces defined by said side edges said extension runningsubstantially across an entire length of each said handle extending fromsaid first ends to respective second ends opposite thereto.
 11. Thedental floss apparatus of claim 10 additionally comprising: said handleseach having a center line centered between said side edges; and saidflossing substrate extending between said respective first ends of arespective pair of handles from a position along said center linein-between said side edges.
 12. The dental floss apparatus of claim 10additionally comprising: said at least one dissolvable componentpositioned adjacent respective first ends of said pair of handles in anengagement with one of said handles or with said flossing substratebeing a waterless gel.
 13. The dental floss apparatus of claim 1additionally comprising: said handles each having a center line centeredbetween said side edges; and said flossing substrate extending betweensaid respective first ends of a respective pair of handles from aposition along said center line in-between said side edges.
 14. Thedental floss apparatus of claim 13 additionally comprising: said atleast one dissolvable component positioned adjacent respective firstends of said pair of handles in an engagement with one of said handlesor with said flossing substrate being a waterless gel.
 15. The dentalfloss apparatus of claim 1 additionally comprising: said handles eachhaving a center line centered between said side edges; and said flossingsubstrate extending between said respective first ends of a respectivepair of handles from a position along said center line in-between saidside edges.
 16. The dental floss apparatus of claim 15 additionallycomprising: said at least one dissolvable component positioned adjacentrespective first ends of said pair of handles in an engagement with oneof said handles or with said flossing substrate being a waterless gel.17. The dental floss apparatus of claim 1 additionally comprising: saidat least one dissolvable component positioned adjacent respective firstends of said pair of handles in an engagement with one of said handlesor with said flossing substrate being a waterless gel.